Italian Premier Romano Prodi quit last night, his defeat threatening to bring down the 61st government since the war and force elections.

Left-of-centre Prodi, 68 - in power for 20 months - resigned after he lost a confidence vote by four. Rightwing senators hurled champagne corks in joy.

There may now be a snap election or caretaker government. Polls favour former right-wing PM Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia party. Berlusconi, on trial for corruption, said: "Now we should go and vote."